One of the most common problems in MacBook laptops It is the failure of the graphics card (also called graphics chip either GPU).
It is almost always due to damaged solder joints between the motherboard and the chip, caused by overheating 🔥.
In this guide you will learn how to identify the problem and the basic steps to repair it on your own using the technique of reballing 🛠️.
If the procedure is complicated, it's best to take your equipment to a trusted technical service.
🔍 Common symptoms of a damaged graphics chip
📺 No video appears in the screen even if the chime is heard.
🖥️ The MacBook starts up, displays the logo Apple and then the screen goes black.
🎨 Stripes or pixels appear after turning on.
🎮 Crashes when playing video games or editing videos.
⏳ It works for a while and then the glitches start.
📷 Examples of on-screen errors
Black screen
Turn it on, the chime sounds but there is no picture.
Lines on screen
Visual defects when starting the system.
Blockade
Freezes when opening demanding apps.
Heating
It turns off or locks up after a few minutes.
💡 Before repairing
🔄 Clean fans and heatsinks, and change the thermal paste if it's dry.
A faulty cooling system is the cause of these failures in the 90%.
🛠️ How to do a basic reballing
🔍 Identify the affected graphics chip.
🔥 Use a BGA soldering station to carefully remove it.
🧽 Cleans residue and removes damaged tin balls.
⚪ Place new balls using a template.
♨️ Re-solder the chip to the board, respecting the temperature curve.
🧴 Clean with flux remover and check connections.
📸 Illustrated process
1️⃣ Extraction — Heat and remove the chip.
2️⃣ New balls — Replace damaged spheres.
3️⃣ Final union — Place and solder the chip.
⚠️ Warnings
❌ Do not attempt this process if you are not experienced in BGA soldering.
🛡️ Protect sensitive areas before applying heat.
🌡️ Always respect the temperatures recommended by the manufacturer.
✅ Ending
💨 Clean fans and heatsinks.
🖥️ Test your MacBook with a stress test like FurMark.
🔋 Check stability over several hours of use.
If the problem persists after following this guide, it is best to consult a specialized technician to avoid further damage.
